KAREN WITHEM AND CANYON DIAMOND MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY IN NEW YORK CITY

 

Unique Man

Canyon Diamond Media has launched photography services in New York City, specializing in family and pet portraits, engagement photos, professional headshots and corporate and society events.

Owner Karen Withem has two decades of communications and branding expertise, with clients ranging from fine restaurants tobrands like Honda, Kellogg’s, Buca di Beppo restaurants, the State of California and Los Angeles International Airport. Now based in Long Island City, she says “I’m a storyteller at heart,” a sensibility she brings to personal endeavors like portraiture and event photography, as well as producing digital content to grow business brands. She enjoys helping people open up in front of the camera. “It comes naturally to me because I enjoy getting to know people, and everyone has stories to tell. I love finding that sparkle in the eye that comes from igniting people’s passion about their families and businesses.”

 

Female Against Tree

Withem’s experience in creating and implementing media campaigns lends itself to another pursuit: driving social change through media, which she does in her narrative and documentary films. She is currently directing a feature-length documentary, “The Aftermath: Justice and Healing for Sexual Assault Survivors.” It’s a look at police failures of assault victims nationwide, and also tells stories of policing done right. “There’s an incredible gap between skilled, compassionate investigators,” she says, “and those who are poorly trained or who openly express doubt to those victims who decide to report the crime.” The film includes survivors and advocates who talk about innovations in law enforcement, like trauma-informed interviewing to help victims recall details of their assaults, and a Texas law that requires all DNA kits to be tested within 90 days of collection.

Her debut short film, “Amnesia,” was screened at film festivals and won an audience favorite award at the Great Lakes International Film Festival. Her second short, “Stand Up,” was chosen by Ovation TV as one of its debut Creative Studio projects. She began her career in journalism after studying economics at UCLA, and media at University of North Carolina. 

Photos Courtesy of Karen Withem